WILMINGTON- The Twin Valley High School class of 2014 will be graduating on the morning of Saturday, June 14, representing the last group of seniors to finish their secondary education in the Beaver Street building which has housed the school for 110 years. But before the diplomas are handed out, and the high school is moved to its new location in Whitingham, a last hurrah will be held for the old high school the evening before, Friday, June 13, beginning at 6 on Baker Field.

A committee of the Twin Valley School Board called the Twin Valley/Wilmington High School Alumni Committee, will be hosting an open-to-the-public celebration complete with a Deerfield Valley Rotary-hosted barbecue, live music, a silent auction of school memorabilia, and guest speakers from the school’s past. “The building has been used as a school in this community for over 100 years,” said school board and alumni committee member Dennis Richter. “There is a lot of history here and we thought that it would be nice to have a closing celebration of the building.”

The night will kick off with live music from Colby Dix from 6 to 7, followed by speeches from alumna Rep. Ann Manwaring, former educator and Rep. Dave Larsen, former TVHS principal Frank Spencer, and current athletic director and alumnus Buddy Hayford.

The hot dog/hamburger barbecue is the only portion of the event that costs money, and the group is asking attendees to purchase a $5 meal ticket in advance, so the group may get a grasp on how many people will be in attendance. Tickets are available at any of the Twin Valley schools.

Richter, a 1984 graduate of Wilmington High School, said that he hopes young and old alumni will attend the celebration. “We’ve all had fond memories of that school, and there’s a lot of tradition there,” said Richter. “We’re hoping for a good showing to come down and help us celebrate.”

Spencer was a member of the Wilmington/TVHS faculty for 40 years, including 23 as principal, and he said that while graduating class size was never a constant amount, the size of the school was just right, and will be part of its legacy. “Many have graduated from here and moved away, and they won’t be there that night,” said Spencer. “But I hope those who are there are thankful for how wonderful it was being there at Wilmington High/TVHS. I know that teaching here turned out to be an excellent part of my life.”